[GK3]

The level of advance planning you advocate might have been possible a year ago (though I doubt that). At this point, we aren’t remotely close to the type of planning for which you advocate. IMHO, no point in pining for something completely unattainable.

Actually it was required two years ago. That would have made the F-16s available in time for the 2023 offensives. In terms of what was/is "possible", it was clearly foreseeable that we may need F-16 capability by spring/summer of 2023. You are correct that we were not thinking that way at a governmental level. I don't "pine" for that type of planning, but I do believe that ignoring our deficiencies ensures they will continue. They may anyway, unfortunately. IMO our military is capable of making such determinations and delivering appropriate advice. It is probable our politicians wouldn't follow it, but back in 2022 there was a very much better chance they would than there is today.

It seems to me that too much of our decision making the last few years has been reactive, appearing as no real thought had been given into whatever now needs a response. This may be because our political system has been tied in knots for several years.
Ukraine on the other hand is showing an amazing ability to make do and adapt on the fly.  Particularly in the field of drone warfare It may well be what is keepiing them in the war in view of the F16 delays and lack of artillery shells.
This article seems to be a pretty comprehensive evaluation of the current state of drone warfare in the Ukraine, and its developing direction.  I have to assume we have a lot  of people paying attention to this.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/UKRAINE...pkeyjwkpm/

[GK3]

The level of advance planning you advocate might have been possible a year ago (though I doubt that). At this point, we aren’t remotely close to the type of planning for which you advocate. IMHO, no point in pining for something completely unattainable.

Actually it was required two years ago. That would have made the F-16s available in time for the 2023 offensives. In terms of what was/is "possible", it was clearly foreseeable that we may need F-16 capability by spring/summer of 2023. You are correct that we were not thinking that way at a governmental level. I don't "pine" for that type of planning, but I do believe that ignoring our deficiencies ensures they will continue. They may anyway, unfortunately. IMO our military is capable of making such determinations and delivering appropriate advice. It is probable our politicians wouldn't follow it, but back in 2022 there was a very much better chance they would than there is today.

It seems to me that too much of our decision making the last few years has been reactive, appearing as no real thought had been given into whatever now needs a response. This may be because our political system has been tied in knots for several years.
Ukraine on the other hand is showing an amazing ability to make do and adapt on the fly.  Particularly in the field of drone warfare It may well be what is keepiing them in the war in view of the F16 delays and lack of artillery shells.
This article seems to be a pretty comprehensive evaluation of the current state of drone warfare in the Ukraine, and its developing direction.  I have to assume we have a lot  of people paying attention to this.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/UKRAINE...pkeyjwkpm/